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The Florida Veterans Foundation serves as the statewide lead organization for Florida Veterans and their families by providing direct services and partnering with state and local governments, veteran service organizations, and educational institutions to improve their overall well-being. About Our Foundation Our team at the Florida Veterans Foundation is passionate about serving Florida Veterans and their families. We are committed to the mission, and all funds received are used to support our five initiatives to serve our Veteran community. Read More Donate FAQs Support Us Support the Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF) and help us make a difference in the lives of Florida’s veterans! You can show your support by: Purchasing a Gadsden Flag License Plate – Available at your local Florida DMV, a portion of the proceeds directly funds programs that assist veterans in need. Making a Donation – Every contribution helps provide emergency financial assistance, dental care, and other vital services to veterans. Following & Sharing on Social Media – Stay updated on our initiatives and spread awareness by following FVF on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Your support ensures that we can continue our mission of honoring and assisting those who served. Thank you for standing with Florida’s veterans! Gadsden Plate Donate Socials Florida Veterans Dental Grant Program FY26-27 Currently Accepting New Applications! FVF introduces the new Florida Veteran Dental Grant Program. The Florida Veterans Dental Program provides critical dental care to Florida veterans who lack access to affordable treatment. Funded by a $1 million appropriation from the Florida Legislature, the program partners with dental providers and organizations to offer services such as extractions, dentures, and restorative care. By addressing urgent and preventative dental needs, the initiative improves veterans' overall health and quality of life. Definition of Veteran According to Chapter 1.01 of the 2023 Florida Statues, “the term ‘veteran’ means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under honorable conditions only or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions, notwithstanding any action by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs on individuals discharged or released with other than honorable discharges. The term includes all members of the Florida National Guard and United States Reserve Forces who were discharged or released under honorable conditions only, or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions. Veteran Eligibility Qualifying veterans must also meet the following requirements: Been issued a DD-214, NGB 22 or Certificate of Discharge. Residency requirement - eligible veterans must reside in Florida. Be at a 300% Poverty Level or below as defined by the federal government at the time of their application. Be less than 100% service-connected disabled. How can we assist you? Click Here to Access our Dental Service Locator for Veterans I Am A 501(c)(3) Learn More NO VETERAN LEFT BEHIND Emergency Financial Assistance The Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF) Emergency Financial Assistance Program, in partnership with Project VetRelief (PVR), provides crucial financial support to Florida veterans facing urgent hardships. This program assists with essential needs such as rent, utilities, transportation, and other unexpected expenses to help prevent homelessness and financial instability. Eligible veterans can apply for assistance through Project VetRelief, ensuring they receive timely support during difficult times. Through this initiative, FVF remains committed to honoring and supporting those who have served our country. How can we assist you? Click Here to Redirect to PVR's Financial Assistance Application I Want To Help Learn More

The Florida Veterans Foundation was founded in 2008 by the Florida Legislature and is supported by individual and corporate donations, grants, fundraisers and direct public support to help us faithfully execute our mission of providing emergency and support services and programs for Veterans and their families across the state of Florida. Financials The Florida Veterans Foundation was founded in 2008 by the Florida Legislature and is supported by individual and corporate donations, grants, fundraisers and direct public support to help us faithfully execute our mission of providing emergency and support services and programs for Veterans and their families across the state of Florida. Annuals Reports • FY 2023-2024 • FY 2022-2023 • FY 2020-2021 • FY 2019-2020 • FY 2018-2019 • FY 2017-2018 Internal and External Audits • FY 2025 Financial Statement Findings • FY 2024 Financial Statement Findings • FY 2023-2024 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2022-2023 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2021-2022 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2020-2021 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2019-2020 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2018-2019 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2017-2018 Independent Audit (External) • 2020 IG FDVA Statutory Oversight Audit (Internal) Financial Reports • 990 FY 2024-2025 • 990 FY 2023-2024 • 990 FY 2022-2023 • 990 FY 2021-2022 • 990 FY 2020-2021 • 990 FY 2019-2020 • 990 FY 2018-2019 • 990 FY 2017-2018 • 501(c)(3) Determination Letter Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Compliance Letter 2024 Compliance Letter 2025 View our Rating Veiw our Code of Ethics The Florida Veterans Foundation was founded in 2008 by the Florida Legislature and is supported by a variety of individual and corporate donations, grants, fundraisers and direct public support to help us faithfully execute our mission of providing a variety of assistance for Veterans and their families across the state of Florida.

The Florida Veterans Foundation serves as the statewide lead organization for Florida Veterans and their families by providing direct services and partnering with state and local governments, veteran service organizations, and educational institutions to improve their overall well-being. About Our Foundation Our team at the Florida Veterans Foundation is passionate about serving Florida Veterans and their families. We are committed to the mission, and all funds received are used to support our five initiatives to serve our Veteran community. Read More Donate About Our Foundation Our team at the Florida Veterans Foundation is passionate about serving Florida Veterans and their families. We are committed to the mission, and all funds received are used to support our five initiatives to serve our Veteran community. Read More Donate Support Us Support the Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF) and help us make a difference in the lives of Florida’s veterans! You can show your support by: Purchasing a Gadsden Flag License Plate – Available at your local Florida DMV, a portion of the proceeds directly funds programs that assist veterans in need. Making a Donation – Every contribution helps provide emergency financial assistance, dental care, and other vital services to veterans. Following & Sharing on Social Media – Stay updated on our initiatives and spread awareness by following FVF on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Your support ensures that we can continue our mission of honoring and assisting those who served. Thank you for standing with Florida’s veterans! Gadsden Plate Donate Socials Florida Veterans Dental Grant Program FY2026 FVF introduces the new Florida Veteran Dental Grant Program. The Florida Veterans Dental Program provides critical dental care to Florida veterans who lack access to affordable treatment. Funded by a $1 million appropriation from the Florida Legislature, the program partners with dental providers and organizations to offer services such as extractions, dentures, and restorative care. By addressing urgent and preventative dental needs, the initiative improves veterans' overall health and quality of life. How can we assist you? I Am A Veteran I Am A 501(c)(3) Learn More NO VETERAN LEFT BEHIND Emergency Financial Assistance The Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF) Emergency Financial Assistance Program, in partnership with Project VetRelief, provides crucial financial support to Florida veterans facing urgent hardships. This program assists with essential needs such as rent, utilities, transportation, and other unexpected expenses to help prevent homelessness and financial instability. Eligible veterans can apply for assistance through Project VetRelief, ensuring they receive timely support during difficult times. Through this initiative, FVF remains committed to honoring and supporting those who have served our country. How can we assist you? I Am A Veteran I Want To Help Learn More

This once in a lifetime opportunity will honor a Veteran’s legacy in the new documentary A State at War: Florida During WWII, which will be cherished forever. Feature a Veteran in an Upcoming PBS Film This once in a lifetime opportunity will honor a Veteran’s legacy in the new documentary A State at War: Florida During WWII, which will be cherished forever. 3 Donation Levels – your Veteran’s name in the film credits – your Veteran’s name in the film credits with rank, and branch of service or more – your Veteran’s name and photo in the film credits with their name, rank, branch, and years of service Donate Today, and we will include your Veteran’s Legacy in this historical and memorable film, and on the Florida Veterans Foundation Memorial webpage. Millions of people around the world will view the program on PBS stations and other venues in the years to come. Memorial recognition in the film is limited. Honor your Veteran’s legacy through Your donation and help to support Veterans in need through a variety of programs and services provided by the Florida Veterans Foundation. The film is scheduled to be released on Veterans Day 2023 on PBS. $500 $1000 $2000 Preserve Your Veteran’s Legacy In This Historical Film Today 3 Donation Levels – your Veteran’s name in the film credits – your Veteran’s name in the film credits with rank, and branch of service or more – your Veteran’s name and photo in the film credits with their name, rank, branch, and years of service Note: Only a $2000 or more donation is granted a photo submission $500 $1000 $2000 Memorial Day Video Donation Form First name Last name Email Rank Service Organization Enter the amount you wish to pay: $ Donate Thank you for helping us make a difference! Memorial Video Photo Upload If you are donating a total of $2000 or more please upload your photo submission here:

Coverage is provided in the underlined counties: Alachua Baker Bay Bradford Brevard Broward Calhoun Charlotte Citrus Clay Collier Columbia DeSoto Dixie Duval Escambia Flagler Franklin Gadsden Gilchrist Glades Gulf Hamilton Hardee Hendry Hernando Highlands Hillsborough Holmes Indian River Jackson Jefferson Lafayette Lake Lee Leon Levy Liberty Madison Manatee Marion Martin Miami-Dade Monroe Nassau Okaloosa Okeechobee Orange Osceola Palm Beach Pasco Pinellas Polk Putnam Santa Rosa Sarasota Seminole St. Johns St. Lucie Sumter Suwannee Taylor Union Volusia Wakulla Walton Washington

Rep. Smith’s family moved to Central Florida in 1972 while his extended family still lives in the Merritt Island area. His father was a career U.S. Army officer and Vietnam Veteran. Representative David Smith United States Marine Corps, Retired Colonel Rep. Smith’s family moved to Central Florida in 1972 while his extended family still lives in the Merritt Island area. His father was a career U.S. Army officer and Vietnam Veteran. Growing up and throughout high school, David was very active in sports. He played on both community and school baseball, basketball, football, and tennis teams. Additionally, he acted in multiple community theater productions, including roles in Inherit the Wind, Guys & Dolls, Harvey, The Madwoman of Chaillot, The Lion in Winter, Macbeth, As You Like It, and Jesus Christ Superstar. David attended vocational training in high school and earned a certification in welding. David attended Texas A&M University on a military scholarship and graduated in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. David earned his wings of gold at NAS Pensacola, launching his career as a UH-1N helicopter pilot. He flew more than 4,500 accident-free flight hours during his career and was a designated Weapons and Tactics Instructor. He made six extended deployments overseas or aboard ship, including a combat tour flying in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition to his flying duties, David also had multiple assignments as a Program Manager overseeing military procurement contracts. After graduating from the Defense Acquisition University, he was selected by the Marine Corps as one of their first Acquisition Professionals. David also holds a Master’s degree from the Florida Institute of Technology in Business Management. He had Command assignments or Program Management responsibility for three separate billion-dollar programs, and his final Marine Corps assignment was leading a military and civilian workforce at the Central Florida Research Park that managed $1.4 billion worth of Simulation & Training projects. After 30 years of service, David retired at the rank of Colonel. He has worked in the private sector of Central Florida’s Simulation & Training industry for the last seven years. He currently owns a business consulting company. Colonel David Smith lives in Winter Springs and is very active in community affairs. He is a Paul Harris Fellow at the Winter Springs Rotary Club, a member of the Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce, VFW Post 5405, and multiple other Veterans organizations and local non-profit groups. Additionally, Rep. Smith is a member of Leadership Orlando class #78 and Leadership Seminole class #26, and the CrossLife Church in Oviedo. He is one of the few combat veterans in the Legislature. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Ambassadors for Veterans Council Continuing the March for Veterans in Need | Council of individuals and organizations who are resolute in helping veterans and titled as our forward march support advocates for the advancement and sustainability of the Florida Veterans Foundation and its mission. Shop To Donate Click on the below websites to shop and they will donate a percentage to the foundation. Ambassadors for Veterans Council Continuing the March for Veterans in Need Other Donations Council of individuals and organizations who are resolute in helping veterans and titled as our forward march support advocates for the advancement and sustainability of the Florida Veterans Foundation and its mission. BE AN AMBASSADOR Mail in Donations Gifts, Wills, Trusts Corporatie Giving Grants Event Fundraising In-Kind Donations For more information contact: fvf@fdva.fl.gov 850-488-4181 Volunteer Special Thanks American Legion of Florida National Association of Veterans & Families Walmarts of Florida WALMART STORE #1081, GAINESVILLE WALMART SUPERCENTE R #1224, PENSACOLA WALMART SUPERCENTER #3307, CRAWFORDVILLE WALMART SUPERCENTER #4520, TALLAHASSEE WALMART STORE #4427, TALLAHASSEE WALMART MARKET STORE #6531, PENSACOLA Tallahassee Dodge Claude Pepper Foundation MoPar Muscle Freedom Car Show Hamptons Gold & Country Club Elks Club of Florida National League of Cities American Patriot Service Corp UBER Technologies, Inc. Your outreach helps prevent Veterans from falling into crises and give them hope for a better future. Types of Volunteers Outreach Fundraising Events Ways To Give Please use our print-friendly form and mail your donation to: Florida Veterans Foundation The Capitol, 400 S Monroe St UNIT 2107, Tallahassee, FL Tallahassee, FL 32399 Gifts – Wills, Trusts & Life Insurance Bequests are donations that are made through a will or a living trust. You can name the Florida Veterans Foundation as a beneficiary in your will/estate for a specific amount or a percentage (see form below) or designate the foundation as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy. The Florida Veterans Foundation suggests consulting a legal professional before drafting a will. The Florida Veterans Foundation must be named as the owner and beneficiary of the insurance policy for it to be tax-deductible. Download the Gift Form Corporate Giving We welcome inquiries from companies that support our mission. Contact us at: fvf@fdva.fl.gov to learn more or call the Florida Vet erans Foundation offices at (850) 488-4181 ; ext : 1. In-Kind Donations In-kind donations are very important to the Florida Veterans Foundation’s outreach. Individuals and companies provide valuable resources. If you are interested in making an in-kind donation, please contact us at (850) 488-4181; ext: 1. Grant Donations Public and private charity foundations are encouraged to participate with the Florida Veterans Foundation’s outreach to serve Pre- and Post-911 Florida veterans. Opportunities to help educate and public awareness outreach are the key elements of our desire to seek grants, as well as our stated initiatives. If you are interested in sharing grant opportunities, Please contact our President at us fvf@fdva.fl.gov or contact our Foundation offices at (850) 488-4181 ; ext: 1. Event Fundraising We encourage you to support the Florida Veterans Foundation by engaging your community through individual efforts. Previous examples include runs, golf tournaments and faith-based group events. For questions and more information, please contact our Development Office at fvf@fdva.fl.gov or (850) 488-418 1 ; ext: 1 between 9am and 4pm EST. Volunteers For those who are interested in volunteering for the mission of the Florida Veterans Organization, please visit our Volunteer page, or as a District or Deputy Chairperson, please contact our offices at 850-488-4181 ; ext: 1 for more information. REMEMBER: When donating to a charitable organization, refrain from providing or verifying personal information via e-mail, text message or social media. Do not post, direct message, email, or provide over the phone any sensitive information to any organization or individual unless you have initiated the interaction via the contact information provided on the organization’s website. Be wary of individuals representing themselves as members of any charitable organization asking for donations via social networking sites or personal email addresses. Malicious individuals can mislead victims using copycat names that are similar to but not exactly the same as individuals and charitable organizations. If you are unsure as to whether or not a communication is legitimate, contact the organization directly.

Dental Service Locator Welcome to the Florida Veteran's Foundation's Dental Service Locator! This tool provides a comprehensive map of dental service providers across various counties. Simply select your county's name from either the interactive map or the list below to locate dental assistance near you. If your county is not listed, please select the highlighted county closest to you. *CLICK ON YOUR COUNTY'S NAME TO VIEW DENTAL SERVICE PROVIDERS IN YOUR AREA* Holmes Escambia Santa Rosa Okaloosa Walton Washington Bay Gilchrist Jackson Calhoun Liberty Gadsden Leon Wakulla Madison Taylor Jefferson Hamilton Suwannee Baker Colombia Gulf Franklin Lafayette Nassau Duval Union Bradford Clay St.Johns Dixie Alachua Putnam Levy Marion Flagler KEY Counties with Coverage Citrus Sumter Hernando Pasco Hillsborough Pinellas Lake Volusia Seminole Orange Polk Osceola Brevard Indian River Manatee Sarasota Hardee DeSoto Highlands St. Lucie Okeechobee Martin Charlotte Lee Glades Hendry Palm Beach Collier Broward Monroe Miami-Dade *CLICK ON YOUR COUNTY'S NAME TO VIEW DENTAL SERVICE PROVIDERS IN YOUR AREA* Coverage is provided in the underlined counties: Alachua Baker Bay Bradford Brevard Broward Calhoun Charlotte Citrus Clay Collier Columbia DeSoto Dixie Duval Escambia Flagler Franklin Gadsden Gilchrist Glades Gulf Hamilton Hardee Hendry Hernando Highlands Hillsborough Holmes Indian River Jackson Jefferson Lafayette Lake Lee Leon Levy Liberty Madison Manatee Marion Martin Miami-Dade Monroe Nassau Okaloosa Okeechobee Orange Osceola Palm Beach Pasco Pinellas Polk Putnam Santa Rosa Sarasota Seminole St. Johns St. Lucie Sumter Suwannee Taylor Union Volusia Wakulla Walton Washington Our Dental Partners Anchor 1 Community Smiles CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE COMMUNITY SMILES DENTAL PROGRAM Homeless Empowerment Project CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE HOMELESS EMPOWERMENT PROJECT DENTAL PROGRAM Premier CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE PREMIER DENTAL PROGRAM Wounded Veteran Relief Fund CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE WOUNDED VETERAN RELIEF FUND DENTAL PROGRAM TESTMONIALS VETERAN I found out that she could possibly help me get my smile back and I was afraid of getting my hopes up. I'm a widow and it would have taken me years to pay off the bill! VETERAN I just wanted to cry when I found out that I was approved! Now I am awaiting my first surgical appointment and wanted to let you know how much this means to me. VETERAN I know you worked very hard to help me and know I'm being blessed with this gift!

If you or a loved one is thinking about self-harm or feeling hopeless, reach out now. We understand that the challenges you've faced during your service can sometimes weigh heavily on your mind, and it's crucial to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone in this struggle, and together we can navigate the darkest times and rediscover the strength and purpose that lies within you. FVF Dental Grant Program Are you a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving Florida's veterans? Do you have a passion for providing essential dental care to those who have sacrificed so much for our country? The Florida Veterans Foundation is now accepting grant applications to support organizations that offer vital dental services to veterans in need. We understand the challenges many veterans face in accessing quality dental care and are committed to making a positive impact on their lives. Grant funding will be used to: · Provide dental exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions · Support dental dentures · Assist with specialized dental procedures To qualify for a grant, your organization must: · Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Florida · Have a proven track record of serving veterans · Demonstrate a clear need for funding to support dental services TO APPLY: Please fill out the form below. Once this is submitted an application packet will be sent to the contact listed. Apply Here Organization's Name* Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)* Contact First Name* Contact Last Name* Contact Email* Contact Phone Number Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code)* How did you hear about us? Apply Now Please note the following: Definition of Veteran: According to Chapter 1.01 of the 2023 Florida Statues, “the term ‘veteran’ means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under honorable conditions only or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions, notwithstanding any action by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs on individuals discharged or released with other than honorable discharges. The term includes all members of the Florida National Guard and United States Reserve Forces who were discharged or released under honorable conditions only, or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions. Veteran Eligibility: Qualifying veterans must also meet the following requirements: · Been issued a DD-214, NGB 22 or Certificate of Discharge. · Residency requirement - eligible veterans must reside in Florida. · Be at a 300% Poverty Level or below as defined by the federal government at the time of their application. · Be less than 100% service-connected disabled. Dental Rules For more information please contact us at fvf@fdva.fl.gov

Representative Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast) serves as State Representative to District 24 in the Florida House of Representatives and is slated to become House Speaker in 2022. He is currently Chair of the Rules Committee. Rep. Renner is a military veteran, former prosecutor, and local business attorney. Representative Paul Renner United States Navy Retired Commander Representative Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast) serves as State Representative to District 24 in the Florida House of Representatives and is slated to become House Speaker in 2022. He is currently Chair of the Rules Committee. Rep. Renner is a military veteran, former prosecutor, and local business attorney. He began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney, during which he prosecuted serious felony offenses. Rep. Renner also served as a naval officer, both on active duty and in the reserves. He joined the U.S. Navy and earned his commission as a Surface Warfare Officer. While on active duty, he served during combat operations onboard the USS McInerney (FFG-8) in support of the ground offensive to liberate Kuwait in Operation Desert Storm. He also served as Small Boat Officer for the destruction of floating Iraqi contact mines. As a Commander in the Navy Reserves, Paul received orders to serve as an Intelligence Officer in Afghanistan in 2011. Paul led a team focused on counter-terrorism efforts. He was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his “direct and significant contribution to the disruption of foreign facilitation networks [that] led to the capture or arrest of numerous key network leaders, delivering a considerable blow against the enemies of our Nation.” For twenty-three years, Paul has served on active duty and in the reserves, receiving numerous commendations and awards. Rep. Renner was raised in Northeast Florida, where he attended Public School. He earned his Juris Doctorate at the University of Florida, Levin College of Law, and his Bachelor of Arts in history at Davidson College in North Carolina. He lives in Palm Coast with his wife and daughter. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Senator Victor “Vic” M. Torres, Jr., is of Puerto Rican descent and was born and raised in New York City. His lifetime of service began when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Harren High School in 1966. Senator Victor Torres United States Marine Corps FVF Current Board Member, Sergeant Senator Victor “Vic” M. Torres, Jr., is of Puerto Rican descent and was born and raised in New York City. His lifetime of service began when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Harren High School in 1966. He joined as the Vietnam War was raging. During his four-year enlistment, Senator Torres was stationed in Okinawa Japan, rose to Sergeant, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. In 2019 Senator Torres wrote: “It was not until I served in the Marine Corps, though, that I fully understood what makes America truly great.” He went on, “The Marine Corps taught me, and exemplified, that America stands up for the oppressed. We are the guiding light for freedom lovers across the globe to look toward in times of despair. Above all, we defend the defenseless. I carried these values with me as I continued my career of service as a member of law enforcement. It was in this job that I kept my neighbors safe, protecting back at home all we hold dear. I carried with me to the Florida House and subsequently to the Senate these same sacred values.” Once completing his service in the Marine Corps, he ensured safety and order in his community as a police officer for the New York City Transit Police. After twenty years, Senator Torres retired from the New York City Transit Police as 2nd Grade Detective. In 1993, Senator Torres relocated his family to Florida and continued his community service as a volunteer and leader for several community organizations, the labor movement, and grassroots efforts. He has established a strong reputation as a committed political activist and an effective leader. In 2012, Vic Torres was elected as a State Representative for Florida House District 48 in Orange County; and for the 2014-2016 legislative cycle, he was tapped to be the Democratic Deputy Whip. He has served on numerous Senate committees, including the Military and Veterans Affairs and Space Committee. Senator Torres has been married to Carmen L. Torres for over twenty-five years. Carmen is also a committed community leader and volunteer. She is a past member of the Executive Board of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Past Vice-Chair of the DNC Southern Caucus, and past Florida Elector for President Barack Obama. Vic and Carmen are the proud parents of five children and eleven grandchildren. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Originally from Massachusetts, Representative Joe Casello and his wife Josephine reside in Boynton Beach. A lifelong public servant, he served as a Boynton Beach City Commissioner from 2013 through 2018 for District 4. He was appointed as the Vice-Mayor and then elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. Representative Joesph A. Casello United States Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Originally from Massachusetts, Representative Joe Casello and his wife Josephine reside in Boynton Beach. A lifelong public servant, he served as a Boynton Beach City Commissioner from 2013 through 2018 for District 4. He was appointed as the Vice-Mayor and then elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. Born in Worcester, Rep. Casello attended public schools in his community. He graduated from Worcester Industrial Technical Institute in 1972 and Quinsigamond Community College in 2002, where he earned an Associate in Science. The son of a Navy World War II veteran, Rep. Casello honorably served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force in the early 1970s. Assigned to the 212th ANG Unit, he was responsible for installing radio transmission sites throughout the country. In 1974, he was appointed to the Worcester Fire Department and promoted to Lieutenant in 1984. Within the Fire Department, he served in many capacities, including arson investigator, working closely with the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Rep. Casello is a business owner and licensed electrical contractor. He operated Casello Electrical Services, specializing in residential and commercial electrical design and installation. His civic engagement includes time spent on the Board of Directors of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, as President of the Knollwood Homeowners Association, and as a member of the Palm Beach Sober Home Task Force as well as the Municipal Retirees Association. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for JFK Hospital and has volunteered with Feeding South Florida during the pandemic. Drawing on his past experiences as a firefighter and service in the Air Force, Joe has been a strong and vocal champion for first responders, police, and firefighters, as well as military veterans. He has sponsored legislation strengthening medical benefits for firefighters who contract cancer in the line of duty. He also worked with his colleagues to pass a joint resolution allowing the surviving spouses of deceased, disabled veterans to continue claiming the same tax credits to which their families were entitled before death. Rep. Casello is married and has one daughter. << Back to Veteran Legislators